Master the Rules & Odds of Roulette
Among the classic casino games to play, roulette is arguably one of the most popular. Aside from its rich history and colorful layout, it also comes with easy roulette rules and a set of bets. The game’s outcomes are at random too, making the game appealing to all types of players, beginners included.
The Objective
As a classic casino game, roulette boasts a simple objective – a player will bet on the outcome of the spin of the wheel. There are different ways on how to bet on the outcome of each round. You can bet on a single number, a group of numbers, a color or even if odd or even. We’ll discuss the different types of roulette bets to play below.
Important terms you need to know
To fully master this classic game, it pays to understand some important terms.
- Pockets. These are the areas around the roulette wheel where the ball may land.
- Zero. This is the segment on the wheel represented by ‘0’.
- Double Zero. A segment on the wheel that represents ’00’ and is available in the American Roulette variant.
- Layout. This refers to how the numbers and betting areas are arranged on the roulette wheel and betting table.
- Dealer. The casino employee is in charge of facilitating the game.
Roulette bets
In this game, the most exciting part is deciding on where to put your money. To help you decide, there are different types of roulette bets to play. You can go for low payouts but with a higher frequency of winnings, or bigger payouts but with a higher house edge. Learning these bets and understanding your win potential should form part of your roulette strategies. To help you come up with a set of strategies, we cover and explain the different types of bets below.
Inside Bets
1. Straight Up
This is a wager on a single number on the betting table, like a bet on ‘2’.
2. Split
It’s a bet on the line between two numbers.
3. Street / Row
You will bet on three connected numbers, like 4,5, and 6.
4. Trio
You are betting on a corner that connects three numbers.
5.Corner / Quad
This is a bet on the corner of four connecting numbers.
6. Double Street
To play this wager, you put your money on the line between two intersecting rows that cover six numbers.
7. Basket / First Five
You are putting your money on 3, 2, 1, 00, and 0.
Outside Bets
1.Even / Odd
You are betting if the round’s outcome will result in an even or odd number.
2. Red or Black
This is an even-money bet where you bet on red or black as the outcome of the game’s round.
3. High 18
You are betting that the outcome on the next spin is a number within the 19 to 36 range.
4. Low 18
This is the opposite of the ‘High’ since you’re putting your money on the numbers from 1 to 18.
5. Column
This is a bet on 12 non-consecutive numbers in a column
6. Dozens
This is like a column bet except that the numbers should be consecutive in a row.
Announced/Call Bets
The traditional roulette bets are indicated on the main betting board. The announced bets, on the other hand, are listed away from the board and are found on a racetrack. These are called the ‘French bets’ and require players to put the chips on different parts of the track to cover several numbers.
Final Bet
This is offered in a single-zero roulette variant. For example, a ‘Final 4’ bet is a 4-chip bet where you place your chips on numbers that end in 4, like 34, 24, 14, and 4.
Full Complete/Complete/Maximum Bet
This is a complete bet where you put your money on all inside bets for a specific number. This is a popular wager made by experienced players or high rollers.
The odds and payouts
In this guide, we will cover the most popular roulette variants available in most US casinos – European Roulette and American Roulette. Also, we will look at the potential payout for each specific roulette bet and the roulette odds for winning this wager. Use the table below to compare the payouts and roulette odds for each bet in both variants.
| Roulette Bet Type | Example Roulette Bet | Potential Payout | European Roulette Odds | American Roulette Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Column | Any number in the third column | 2:1 | 32.40% | 31.6% |
| Dozen | Any of 13 to 24 | 2:1 | 32.40% | 31.6% |
| Even bets | Black over red | 1:1 | 48.60% | 47.4% |
| Single number | 7 | 35:1 | 2.70% | 5.60% |
| Two numbers | 7,8 | 17/1 | 2.70% | 5.26% |
| Three numbers | 2828, 29, 30 | 11/1 | 2.70% | 5.26% |
| Four numbers | 28 5, 6, 8 or 9 | 8/1 | 2.70% | 5.26% |
| Five numbers | 1, 2, 3, 0 or 00 | 6/1 | n/a | 7.89% |
| Six numbers | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 | 5/1 | 2.70% | 5.26% |
As a player, it’s best that you also compare bets and variants based on their roulette odds. This will tell you the chances of winning a bet or a round in a roulette game. Based on our review, you have a better chance of collecting a win in a European Roulette game thanks to its 2.70% house edge. For individual bets, you have a better chance with outside bets, like betting on a color or odd/even.
Rule Variations
European & American Roulette Rules
The European and American Roulette variants share the same objective. However, they differ in terms of the layout, thus you can expect some variations in the rules. For example, in the European version, there are slots for numbers 1 to 36 and an extra segment for ‘0’. In the American variant, you will find another slot for ’00’ which you can bet on.
‘En Prison’ Rule
This means that if the roulette ball falls on the green zero, your money is not immediately lost. It will stay for another round and if you win the next spin, you get back your wager.
‘La Partage’ Rule
Under the ‘La Partage’ rule, half of your bet is paid if the roulette ball settles on the green zero. In short, the rule favors the player with a higher RTP.
How to play roulette online – Breakdown of a round
1. Fund your Balance
Before you start, make sure to top up your account. There is a wide variety of banking options available in US casinos with debit and credit cards, e-wallet, and bank transfer as the most popular.
3. The decision time: Place your bet
Once fully funded, then that’s the time to join a game and bet on its outcome. As mentioned, there are different types of bets you can play in roulette online. You can bet on a single number, high or low, odd or even, or a group number. Remember, each bet has a corresponding payout and odds to win. Whatever your bet is, make sure to play responsibly. Set a bankroll and only wager what you can afford to lose!
4. The Dealer will now spin the wheel
Once all bets are in, the dealer will announce ‘No more bets’. The dealer will then spin the wheel in one direction and the roulette ball in another direction in a tilted track.
5. Results and Payouts
Once the wheel spins, the only thing you need to do is to wait for the ball to slow down and stop. If it settles in the pocket that represents your bet, you win! The payout depends on the type of bet you play and the amount of wager. You can refer to the table above for a look at the types of bets and their respective payouts.